1st Optimal vs TeleZen MD
An in-depth comparison of two leading GLP-1 Providers
WeightLossRankings.org is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
1st Optimal
Best for: Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program
Visit 1st Optimal →
TeleZen MD
Best for: claimed all-50-state compounded GLP-1 access with $100-off first order
Visit TeleZen MD →1st Optimal and TeleZen MD are both GLP-1 Providers competing for the same patients, but they make different trade-offs on price, coverage, and what's included. In our scoring, TeleZen MD starts at $198/mo, and TeleZen MD edges ahead overall (7.1 vs 6.7 out of 10). Below we break down pricing, what each plan covers, the six-dimension score, pros and cons, and exactly who should pick which.
Pricing
1st Optimal
Pricing not publicly listed.
TeleZen MD
$148 first month, $198/month after. Multi-month plans (paid in full): quarterly $166/mo ($498), semi-annual $149/mo ($898), annual $133/mo ($1598). Prices are estimated monthly-equivalent of the 3-/6-month plans.
$248 first month, $298/month after. Multi-month plans (paid in full): quarterly $249/mo ($748), semi-annual $233/mo ($1398), annual $216/mo ($2598).
Get alerted when GLP-1 prices drop
Join the GLP-1 price-watch list — we re-verify 390+ providers' prices on their own sites and email you when tracked prices move.
What’s included
1st Optimal
Inclusions not disclosed.
TeleZen MD
What the monthly price covers
Medication
Included
Provider visits
Included
Shipping
Included
Lab work
Not disclosed
Coaching
Not disclosed
Score breakdown
Both providers are scored on the same six-dimension framework. The gradient bar marks the stronger side on each dimension.
1st Optimal
6.7/10
TeleZen MD
7.1/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | TeleZen MD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | — | $198/mo |
| Features | ✓8 features | 3 features |
| States Available | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Compounded | — | ✓ Yes |
| Brand Name | — | — |
| FSA/HSA Accepted | — | — |
| FDA Warnings | None | None |
About 1st Optimal
1st Optimal is a Michigan-based telehealth and functional-medicine platform offering GLP-1 weight loss medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, as once-weekly injections or daily oral tablets. Its model pairs prescription GLP-1 therapy with at-home lab testing, blood-work interpretation, unlimited coaching, and personalized protocols framed around long-term weight loss and longevity. Care is delivered virtually by credentialed providers, and treatments ship to the home with no long-term contracts. The site does not publish monthly pricing or a state list.
Read our full 1st Optimal review →About TeleZen MD
TeleZen MD (telezenmd.com) is a 100% online U.S. telehealth platform offering GLP-1 therapy via U.S.-based FDA-registered pharmacies. The provider claims operation in 'all 50 U.S. states, subject to medical eligibility and state regulations.' First-time visitors are offered $100 off their first order with code WELCOME100. Steady-state monthly pricing is not disclosed on the marketing home page.
Read our full TeleZen MD review →Pros & Cons
1st Optimal
What we like
- Offers both semaglutide and tirzepatide with injectable and oral formats
- Functional-medicine approach with at-home labs and blood-work interpretation
- Unlimited coaching and ongoing support included
- No long-term contracts
- Board-certified doctors and nurse practitioners referenced
Watch-outs
- No public monthly pricing disclosed
- No published state availability list
- Compounded vs branded sourcing not clarified on site
- Pricing only revealed after quiz or consultation
TeleZen MD
What we like
- Says it serves all 50 states — among the broadest claimed reach in the compounded segment
- Markets U.S.-based, FDA-registered pharmacies
- $100 off your first order with code WELCOME100
- Fully online U.S. telehealth model with physician evaluation
- Education-forward, physician-led positioning
- Plan pricing now published: compounded GLP-1 from $133/mo, GLP-1+GIP from $216/mo (annual prepay); 180-day guarantee
Watch-outs
- Partner pharmacy not named
- Legal entity name and state of incorporation not disclosed
- Brand-name medications not addressed on the homepage
- LegitScript certification not confirmed
- All-50-states claim is the provider's own, not independently verified
- Medication forms (vial, pen, oral) not detailed
- Lowest advertised rates ($133/mo sema, $216/mo tirz) require paying a full 6- or 12-month plan in full at checkout
Our Verdict
TeleZen MD edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.1/10 and is particularly strong for claimed all-50-state compounded GLP-1 access with $100-off first order. 1st Optimal remains a solid alternative, especially if you're looking for Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
Choose 1st Optimal if…
You want Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
Choose TeleZen MD if…
You want claimed all-50-state compounded GLP-1 access with $100-off first order and a starting price around $198/mo.
Ready to start? Vetted GLP-1 providers
Vetted telehealth providers that prescribe GLP-1 online.
No insurance needed · vetted by our editors
WeightLossRankings.org is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
SkinnyRx
Mainstream telehealth GLP-1 access
From $149.25/mo
Get started →Sunlight
Compounded GLP-1 with unlimited telehealth visits and free shipping
From $159/mo
Get started →MadeMed
Compounded GLP-1 in both injection and oral forms
From $219/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs TeleZen MD: FAQ
Key terms, explained
New to GLP-1s? Tap any term for a quick, plain-English definition.
- Semaglutide · Drugs and brands
- Tirzepatide · Drugs and brands
- Compounded GLP-1 · Pharmacy and drug forms
- 503A pharmacy · Pharmacy and drug forms
- PCAB accreditation · Pharmacy and drug forms
- Prior authorization (PA) · Insurance and regulatory
- Off-label use · Insurance and regulatory
- FDA Drug Shortage List · Insurance and regulatory
Related comparisons
Continue exploring 1st Optimal and TeleZen MD head-to-heads in the same category.
- 1st Optimal vs Amazon One Medical
- 1st Optimal vs Vytora Health
- 1st Optimal vs CoreAge Rx
- TeleZen MD vs EverSlim
- TeleZen MD vs Found
- TeleZen MD vs NewSelf
Or see the full category ranking.
Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus® are trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. All other product names and trademarks referenced on this page belong to their respective owners. WeightLossRankings.org is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical manufacturer. See trademark disclaimer.